Wind-assisted propulsion system planned for LNG tanker

The Wind Challenger equipped LNG carrier. (Image: MOL)

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Chevron Shipping Co. plan to install a hard sail wind-assisted ship propulsion system to a new build LNG carrier.

The Wind Challenger system was developed by Mitsui and Oshima Shipbuilding and the vessel will mark the world’s first LNG carrier equipped with a Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion System, the companies said.

The vessel is under construction at the Geoje Shipyard of Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd. and is scheduled for delivery in 2026. In August 2024, Mitsui obtained an approval in principle (AiP) by Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (Class NK) - a first for an LNG carrier with a Wind-Assisted Ship Propulsion System. The Chevron chartered vessel will be the first application.

Wind Challenger will help reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions by using its unique telescopic sails, the companies said. In addition to the robust design of Wind Challenger itself, additional safety measures include a fully enclosed navigation bridge and a lookout station on the vessel’s fore deck to further enhances visibility.

For tradability, the installation position of the Wind Challenger aims to minimize impact on the existing design of membrane type LNG Carriers. It will enable the retention of the existing mooring arrangement unchanged and thereby minimize impacts on ship shore compatibility, together with limited impact on the vessel’s windage area.

“We’re proud of partner with MOL in Wind Challenger’s industry-first LNG installation,” said Barbara Pickering, president of Chevron Shipping. “This is another example of using novel approaches in hard-to-abate sectors to reduce carbon intensity in our LNG fleet.”

Takeshi Hashimoto, president and CEO of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines., said the company has two delivered Wind Challenger-equipped bulkers and other ongoing projects, including a coal carrier.